Mount St. Mary's Plays at Siena, Jackson: A Totally Unexpected Adventure
Okay, so, Mount St. Mary's putting on plays at Siena in Jackson? Who knew?! I certainly didn't. I stumbled onto this totally by accident – actually, it was my niece, Lily, who told me. She's a drama queen, literally. She's always been involved in school plays, you know, the whole shebang. Anyway, she mentioned this, and I was like, "Huh? Mount St. Mary's? In Jackson?" It totally blew my mind.
My First (and slightly embarrassing) Experience
My first time seeing a Mount St. Mary's production at Siena was...well, let's just say it was memorable. I had zero expectations, which, honestly, probably helped. I mean, I pictured a small, kinda amateurish affair. I'm not gonna lie, I was kinda judging before I even walked in. I'm not proud of that.
They were doing "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and, wow. The costumes were amazing! Seriously, some of the best costumes I've ever seen in a community theater production. The set design, too, was surprisingly professional. They used the Siena campus perfectly. It was like they magically transformed those spaces.
A Few Unexpected Hiccups
Now, it wasn't perfect. There were a few moments where a line was flubbed (totally understandable with Shakespeare!), and maybe some minor sound issues – some microphones weren't working great at times. But honestly? It added to the charm. It felt real, you know? Like a true theatrical experience, not some polished, overly rehearsed performance.
I felt kind of bad about my initial judgments – those kids were amazing. Their energy was infectious. The whole thing was just… magical.
Practical Tips for Attending a Mount St. Mary's Play
So, you're thinking about checking out a show? Here's the lowdown from someone who learned the hard way:
- Check the Siena website: Seriously. Their website is often a bit janky, but that's where you'll find dates, times, and ticket information for all the Mount St. Mary's performances in Jackson. This website is a key resource for planning your trip to any Mount St Mary's performances.
- Arrive early: Parking can be a nightmare sometimes, especially if it's a popular show. Give yourself extra time to find a spot and get settled. Trust me on this one.
- Bring cash (sometimes): Some shows might only accept cash for concessions. It’s always a good idea to double check the Mount St. Mary's website for specific information on a show's concessions.
- Dress comfortably: You'll probably be sitting for a while, so comfy clothes are your friend.
Why You Should Absolutely Go
These aren't just "school plays." These kids are talented. They're passionate, and their energy is infectious. You'll be surprised by the quality of the production, and, honestly, it's a great way to support local talent and experience something unique in Jackson, especially if you're looking for affordable family fun.
It's a hidden gem, and I'm so glad I accidentally discovered it. You should totally give it a try. I bet you'll be impressed, maybe even more than I was! Just don't be like me and prejudge before you see for yourself. You might miss out on something truly special. Maybe I'll see you there!